Storm the Night: An Iron Guardians MC Romance Novella

Chapter 11

The girls were hilarious and fun. I felt really at ease with them. We sat and ordered some food to hold us over until the DJ started. When the server cleared our table, we were left with just our drinks. Since I had been on meds, I opted for water while the other girls each had margaritas. They understood why though.

Finally, the DJ started to play some music and the bar dimmed the lights a bit. It was crazy how a place could transform so easily to feel like we were in some place totally different. Lily looked over at me and said, “Wanna dance?”

Her question made me nervous. I hadn’t danced in years. Did I even know how anymore? “Um, I don’t even know if I know how.” I laughed and she smiled.

“Girl, it doesn’t matter. It just matters that you are having fun.”

She was right and I was having an amazing time. Just then, Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar came on. Love is a Battlefield always makes me want to lose myself. Lily grabbed my hand and Stella, Harlow, and Mika stood up with us and we went to the dance floor.

The employees moved tables aside so that the middle of the room right in front of the bar was the makeshift dance floor. I closed my eyes and got lost in the lyrics of the song and just the feeling of freedom I was feeling in that moment. My arms were in the air and my body was swaying to the beat that felt like it was thundering in my chest. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had danced.

With the sound of music deep in my ears, I started having flashbacks with each word Pat Benatar sang. Like photographs, moments of Colin’s cruelness came flashing back, especially just before he left on his work trip. I could feel the tears welling behind my eyelids and I was afraid that if I opened them, the dam would break, the spell would be broken, and I would be a mess in the middle of the bar. I just wanted the good feelings back but all I could see was the night Ryder found me. Colin smashing my head into the window.

Suddenly I felt masculine hands grab my hips and that’s when I freaked out, flaying my arms like I was trying to get away and screaming. “Calliope! Calliope! It’s ok. It’s me, Lily. Ssh.”

“Hey! Don’t touch her. What the fuck is wrong with you. You didn’t even ask her if she wanted to dance.” Mika was in the man’s face that grabbed my hips.

“You crazy, bitch. What’s the matter with you? It was just a dance. You’re as crazy as she is.” The man said.

That’s when we heard a man’s voice, “I’d suggest you apologize to the lady.”

“I’m not apologizing for shit. These two bitches are crazy.” The stranger said.

The music was so loud and before I could register what the asshole said, the other man punched him in the face, knocking him out cold on his ass. “Hey Felix, get this asshole out here.” Mika yelled to someone that looked like the bouncer.

When I looked up, I saw Ryder walking toward me. “Hey, are you ok?” I shook my head no but couldn”t form words because I could feel the tears starting to come again. “This was too soon. It’s ok. Come on. I’ll take you home.”

I nodded to him but then quickly turned to Lily and Mika. “I…I’m sorry. I thought I was ready.”

They both hugged me and said, “Don’t worry about it. Go with Ryder. All our guys are here. We’ll check on you tomorrow. You’re in good hands.” I half smiled and turned to walk out with Ryder.